I have been thinking about adding 200-320 watts of solar to my Northern Lite. I currently have 2 group 27 12 volt batteries that I will likely upgrade to 6 volts and add 2 batteries (I am thinking about housing them in the rear compartment where the generator typically would go (there are genny wires in the compartment as well). I upgraded my converter/charger awhile back so I am in good shape there. I have been looking at package deals from Bestconverter, Amazon, and other places. I would like to attach the panels to something that is attached to my roof rack somehow (has anybody done this?). Or using 3M tape. While I am installing the solar, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Bestconverter OptionInverter

Tizi wrote:, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.

I believe sleepy attached his panels to a roof rack. I'm sure someone else has as well. The converter/charger has nothing to do with the solar charging. At least, you shouldn't go through it. I'd definitely not put the batteries in the generator compartment. that's a lot of weight in the wrong place. I'd mount them in the bed instead and use an Andersen connector.I don't know if those are good panels or not. There have been a lot of threads that give the basics on what to look for. I'm sure someone else will chime in.What are you planning on running off the inverter?

The Best Converter solar kit looks like a reasonably good one. Just be aware that their hype is a little over done. Two 150W panels doesn't quite add up to 320W and I don't know where you are going to get "6-7 hours of optimal sun" without a tracking system. Plan on 4-5 hours and you won't be disappointed. That inverter is a "modified sine wave" unit (i.e. square wave) and may not work with a microwave or other electronic gadgets. I would recommend a true sine wave inverter. It will cost a bit more but will work for anything you might plug into it.We mounted an AM Solar kit on my sister's van conversion a couple of years ago. It used the 3M tape and is holding up just fine. If you clean the surfaces well with alcohol that tape will never let go. It is used to hold the aluminum skin on busses and horse trailers, among other things. Good stuff.

I suspect you'd have to run larger wires to the batteries in the storage compartment, they are likely 4awg which is too small for a large inverter.

2oldman wrote:Tizi wrote:, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.good point! bestconverter has good ones.XantrexSamlexI will be running lights, fridge, space heater (500 watt), TV, stereo, water pump, etc. Might add a microwave at some point.

Thinking About Solar | Good Sam Community

Tizi
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
2oldman wrote:
Tizi wrote:
, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.
Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.

good point! bestconverter has good ones.

Xantrex

Samlex

I will be running lights, fridge, space heater (500 watt), TV, stereo, water pump, etc. Might add a microwave at some point.
hedge
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
I suspect you'd have to run larger wires to the batteries in the storage compartment, they are likely 4awg which is too small for a large inverter.
2oldnslow
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
The Best Converter solar kit looks like a reasonably good one. Just be aware that their hype is a little over done. Two 150W panels doesn't quite add up to 320W and I don't know where you are going to get "6-7 hours of optimal sun" without a tracking system. Plan on 4-5 hours and you won't be disappointed.

That inverter is a "modified sine wave" unit (i.e. square wave) and may not work with a microwave or other electronic gadgets. I would recommend a true sine wave inverter. It will cost a bit more but will work for anything you might plug into it.

We mounted an AM Solar kit on my sister's van conversion a couple of years ago. It used the 3M tape and is holding up just fine. If you clean the surfaces well with alcohol that tape will never let go. It is used to hold the aluminum skin on busses and horse trailers, among other things. Good stuff.
jimh406
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2017
I believe sleepy attached his panels to a roof rack. I'm sure someone else has as well. The converter/charger has nothing to do with the solar charging. At least, you shouldn't go through it. I'd definitely not put the batteries in the generator compartment. that's a lot of weight in the wrong place. I'd mount them in the bed instead and use an Andersen connector.

I don't know if those are good panels or not. There have been a lot of threads that give the basics on what to look for. I'm sure someone else will chime in.

What are you planning on running off the inverter?
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2017
Tizi wrote:
, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.
Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.

Forum Discussion

Thinking About Solar

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Thinking out Loud

Whad-da-think?

I think I goofed.

What was Airstream thinking?

Thinking of a pusher